This week, we are leaning into baking! First, we’re joined by senior producer of WBEZ’s Reset Meha Ahmad and the host of WNYC and Futuro Studio’s La Brega podcast Alana Casanova-Burgess to talk about the week that was. We discuss the decline in college English majors, a study that finds a connection between mask-wearing and self-perceived hotness, and our most recent baking endeavors.

Then, Bon Appétit food editor Shilpa Uskokovic stops by to discuss her March cover story all about cakes! We get into some of her favorite cake recipes and explore her philosophy on cooking. Whether it’s instant pudding or caviar, “the important question to ask is ‘is something tasty?’” Shilpa says. “If the answer is yes, then it doesn’t matter what that food is, it’s great!”

Plus, baker and food stylist Jesse Szewczyk shares four surprising and delicious cookie recipes from his book Cookies: The New Classics.

Here are all of the recipes mentioned in today’s episode!

• Japanese soufflé pancakes

• Giant almond croissant

Shilpa Uskokovic’s cake recipes:

• Confetti cake with chocolate frosting

• Chocolate sheet cake with brown butter frosting

• Shilpa’s trick for making the best brown butter

• “5 Must-Make Cakes for Any Occasion This Year”
  

Jesse Szewczyk’s cookie recipes:

• Malted brownie biscotti

• Campari shortbread cookies

• Red wine brownie cookies

• Preserved lemon crinkle cookies